MUKAH: The Jiwa @ Komuniti “Sembang Santai Komuniti Madani” programme brought together community leaders and residents of Tellian Ulu in an engaging session held at the Sarawak Government Administrative Complex on Tuesday.

The initiative, themed "Empowering Communities with KMKK," was officiated by Tellian Assemblyman, Royston Valentine, with the presence of the Deputy District Officer of Mukah, Nolin Gendang.

Royston highlighted the importance of balanced development between urban and rural areas, stressing that villages should not be left behind.

He also noted ongoing challenges in rural communication infrastructure, citing issues such as cable theft and generator breakdowns at telecommunication towers.

Residents were encouraged to lodge complaints directly with elected representatives or relevant departments to ensure swift action.

The morning session also featured skill-building activities, including public speaking training and an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications such as ChatGPT.

Royston reminded participants that while AI can assist in idea generation, the accuracy of information must always be verified.

Touching on responsible digital practices, he urged the community to exercise caution when using social media and to verify information before sharing.

He said that WhatsApp groups can be an effective medium for fast communication, but they must be moderated to prevent the spread of misinformation and unattended issues.

On the political landscape, Royston reassured participants that Sarawak remains stable despite minor federal-level issues.

He also informed that the recently approved 17 new state constituencies are now awaiting the parliamentary and Election Commission processes, with allocations based on population and voter distribution.

The programme highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to encourage inclusive engagement and equip local communities with practical skills, modern tools, and stronger connections with their elected leaders. -UKASnews